Dave1962 Golf Tips

Last year Justin Rose made a blistering start to the Masters with eight birdies and one bogey for a 65, which was seven under par. If he can do the same today without any dropped shots, then he has every chance of being the first-round leader.

Last year Justin Rose rolled back the years to finish runner-up to Rory McIlroy, losing in a play-off. Over three rounds he shot under par, with a 65 opening round and a 66 final round. Having finished runner-up three times, hopefully this year Justin Rose will get to put on the green jacket.

In his seven US Matstes appearances, Harris English achieved his best finish when finishing tied in twelfth position last year thanks to his sixty-eight on the final round.He aslo finished second at the British Open. If he can improve on the level of play he showed last season, Harris English could be a live outsider.

Matt Fitzpatrick appears to be one of the in-form players. He finished second in the Players Championship and then followed that up with a win. Both those tournaments were in March. If he stays in form, very possibly Matt Fitzpatrick could better his seventh-place position in 2026.

Tommy Fleetwood has a best finish of tied third, which was in 2024. He has shown he can play this course, having completed a round in 66. This will be his tenth appearance at the Masters, so with his knowledge of the course and experience, Tommy Fleetwood could once again be in contention come Sunday evening.